This is how you can see if there is space on the Dewsbury bus you are waiting for

The operator is continuing to develop ways to help customers social distance on board its fleet.

Going live this week, the app update will show customers a bus icon on a map depicting the live location and available capacity of each vehicle in the vicinity.

This new functionality, the first to be introduced by a major bus operator, will allow customers to make informed decisions about their essential journeys.

Martin Hirst, Commercial Director of First West Yorkshire, said: “This is another way we’re using technology to ensure safe, informed travel during these difficult times.

"Our buses provide an essential service for our customers and we are doing all we can to support them.”

First West Yorkshire typically recorded over 60,000 customers a month on its mobile app prior to lockdown and in May this was some 11,750 transactions, which illustrates how fewer people are currently using buses and heeding the guidance to avoid public transport.

The innovation has been made possible by First Bus’s new passenger counting functionality, announced at the end of May. Data from this system feeds directly to the First Bus app in real time.

This app update coincides with First West Yorkshire increasing services, following confirmation last week of further support from the Government to bus operators.

Mr Hirst added: “To further support social distancing, and in addition to passenger counting, seats on each bus are now clearly marked indicating where customers should sit.”

First continues to encourage cashless payments, and use of the App to purchase mTickets, to reduce the need for contact between customers and drivers.